The accused used fake identity cards, bodyguards, and police sirens for two years; two accomplices absconding
Hyderabad, November 26, 2025 – Film Nagar Police have apprehended a white-collar offender who impersonated senior government officers for over two years, cheating innocent citizens of substantial amounts through elaborate fraud schemes.
Accused Arrested
Bathini Shashikanth, aged 39 years, resident of Aparna Aura Apartments, Shaikpet, Hyderabad, was arrested on November 25, 2025, following a swift operation based on credible information. He was apprehended from his temporary residence.
Two-Year Impersonation Scheme
The accused has been misleading the public for over two years by posing as an IAS Officer in the capacity of Deputy Commissioner, Mines, and sometimes as an IPS/NIA Officer, thereby grabbing huge amounts of money from innocent citizens.
Elaborate Modus Operandi
Investigation revealed that the accused projected himself as a high-ranking public servant through:
Fake Credentials: Creating and using fake IAS/IPS/NIA identity cards, visiting cards, and forged documents
Hired Bodyguards: Employed two bodyguards with weapons from Tamil Nadu to portray himself as a senior government official
Police Equipment: Fixing police sirens to his private vehicle and using walkie-talkies to imitate official communication
Forged Documents: Circulating a forged TSIIC (Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation) industrial land allotment letter to cheat victims
Victim Defrauded
Using these methods, the accused gained the trust of complainant Ali Hassan, Managing Director of Gold Gym, and collected a total amount of Rs.10,50,665 through:
- Bank transfers
- UPI payments
- Cash payments
The money was collected under the guise of assisting in procuring industrial land and extending other official favours. After receiving the money, the accused absconded.
Seized Property
Police seized the following items:
- 2 mobile phones
- 6 SIM cards
- 2 walkie-talkies
- Fake ID cards
Absconding Accomplices
Two accused persons remain at large:
- A-2 Praveen (acted as personal bodyguard)
- A-3 Vimal (acted as personal bodyguard)
Police are conducting searches to apprehend the absconding accused.
Charges
The accused has been booked for:
- Impersonation of senior government officers
- Cheating
- Forgery
- Criminal intimidation
- Extortion
Police Advisory
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, Hyderabad City, has advised citizens to:
- Remain alert and vigilant
- Not believe such persons or firms claiming to be government officials
- Verify credentials through official channels
- Pass on information to police about suspicious activities
- Report any such fraudulent schemes immediately
The case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by fraudsters who exploit public trust in government officials for financial gain. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent government departments, especially when monetary transactions are involved.
